Meeting Summary
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Clerk, Recorder, and Assessor Fee Increases
- Proposed fee increases for the Clerk, Recorder, Assessor, and Elections divisions were presented to recover service costs.
- The Board approved the fee increases effective November 1, 2011.
Memorandum of Understanding with SEIU Local 620
- A tentative agreement was presented that rescinds previous wage increases and implements a 40-hour annual furlough.
- The agreement is projected to save the county approximately $24 million over its two-year term.
- The Board approved the memorandum of understanding.
Santa Maria Public Airport District Board Vacancy
- Options for filling the board vacancy were presented, including appointment or ordering a district election.
- The Board appointed Don Lair to the board to serve until the next general election.
General Services Photovoltaic Solar Energy Project and 2001 COP Refunding
- A financing package was presented consisting of a $5.25 million bond for a solar system and a refunding of 2001 Certificates of Participation.
- The financing is structured to reduce net debt by approximately $17 million and lower interest rates.
- The Board approved the financing package.
McKayla Rezone Project
- The Planning Commission recommended rezoning property from unlimited agriculture to Ag-100 and legalizing unpermitted structures.
- Staff clarified that double fees were assessed for prior violations as the extent of the penalty.
- The Board approved the rezone project.
Bryce Beach Cabana and Funicular Historic Landmark Designation
- The Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission recommended designating the structures as a county historic landmark to allow for rehabilitation.
- The Board denied the historic landmark status and directed staff to return the item to the commission for review as a "Place of Historic Merit."
- The Board requested a side-by-side comparison of findings for both designation categories.
Climate Action Strategy Phase One – Climate Action Study
- Staff presented the first phase of the climate action process, including a greenhouse gas inventory and forecast.
- The study identifies thirty-three emission reduction measures and prioritizes voluntary incentives over regulatory actions.
- The Board adopted the staff recommendation to receive the study and direct the preparation of the Climate Action Plan.
Redevelopment Agency (RDA) Restructuring
- Staff presented recommendations regarding the impacts of the Redevelopment Restructuring Act on the county's RDA.
- The Board adopted Actions 1 through 3 to retain housing functions and participate in the Alternative Voluntary Redevelopment Program.
- The Board approved Action 4, directing the RDA Board of Directors to forward the preliminary draft of the payment schedule.
Closed Session
- The Board considered existing litigation, with two cases continued to the following week.
- The Board conferred with labor negotiators regarding employer relations for all bargaining units.
- The Board considered the appointment of a Community Services Director.
Full summary
Opening and Administrative Matters
- The meeting began with a roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Board approved the minutes of the August 9, 2011 meeting. A motion was made and seconded to approve the administrative agenda, which included a request to continue Item A14 (2012 health insurance program renewal) to the following week’s meeting. The motion passed.
Item 1: Clerk, Recorder, and Assessor Fee Increases
- The Fiscal Manager for the Clerk, Recorder, and Assessor Department presented proposed fee increases for the Clerk, Recorder, Assessor, and Elections divisions, effective November 1, 2011. The presentation noted that fees for the Clerk/Recorder were last revised in 2009, the Assessor in 1997, and Elections in 2002. The proposed fees are intended to recover the cost of services and are comparable to fees in other counties.
- Public comment was received from Dr. Robert Johns, who opposed the fee increases, citing high unemployment and economic hardship in the county.
- Supervisor Farr moved to approve the item. The motion was seconded. The vote was taken, and the motion passed.
Item 2: Memorandum of Understanding with SEIU Local 620
- Human Resources presented a tentative agreement with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 620, representing over 1,920 employees. The agreement, effective September 5, 2011, through June 23, 2013, rescinds previously negotiated wage increases and cash benefit allowances, eliminates the ability to cash out accrued vacation, provides for a 40-hour annual furlough, and modifies retirement contributions for future employees. The agreement is projected to save the county approximately $24 million over its term.
- Public comment was received from Andy Caldwell of COLAB, who supported the agreement but urged the Board to consider moving away from defined benefit pension plans and to share future pension cost increases with employees, citing practices in San Luis Obispo County.
- Board members discussed the financial implications of public sector pensions and the disparity in benefits between high-salaried professionals and lower-salaried employees. Supervisor Carbajal suggested that the Board review the discussion to determine appropriate venues for further dialogue on pension caps and benefit parity, noting that some personnel-related discussions may require closed session.
- Supervisor Carbajal moved to approve the agreement with SEIU Local 620. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Farr. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed.
Item 3: Santa Maria Public Airport District Board Vacancy
- The County Executive Office presented options for filling a vacancy on the Santa Maria Public Airport District Board. The options were: (1) appoint an individual to serve until the next general election (November 2012), with the appointee then standing for election for the remainder of the term (ending November 2014); (2) order the district to hold an election at the next legal election, which County Council clarified is April 2012 under California Election Code Section 1000; or (3) take no action, requiring the district to call its own election in April 2012. The district would bear the cost of any election.
- Supervisor Lavagnino moved to appoint Don Lair to the board. The motion was seconded by the Chair. The vote was taken, and the motion passed.
Item 4: General Services Photovoltaic Solar Energy Project and 2001 COP Refunding
- The Treasurer presented a financing package consisting of two parts: (1) a $5.25 million, 15-year Qualified Energy Conservation Bond (QECB) for a 1-megawatt photovoltaic solar energy system at the Cal Rial campus; and (2) a refunding of the 2001 Certificates of Participation (COP), reducing the net debt by approximately $17 million. The QECB is expected to have a net interest rate of approximately 1.21%, while the COP refunding is estimated at 2.2%. The financing is structured as a direct purchase by Wells Fargo. Savings from the refunding will be allocated to funds paying the debt service, including the Criminal Justice Facility Fund, Courthouse Construction, and others.
- Public comment was received from Megan Burney of the Community Environmental Council, who supported the project, and Dr. Robert Johns, who opposed it, characterizing it as an environmental burden on the county during an economic downturn.
- Supervisor Farr moved to approve the financing. The motion was seconded. The vote was taken, and the motion passed.
Public Comment
- Nancy Eklund Hunsaker, representing the San Ynez Valley Concerned Citizens and Coalition, spoke regarding the San Ynez Valley Mission Indian Tribe’s acquisition of 1,400 acres of Williamson Act land and a draft cooperative agreement for annexation to the reservation. She urged the Board not to support annexation or cooperative agreements, citing concerns about "bait and switch" tactics in fee-to-trust processes and the loss of local jurisdiction and taxation.
Item 5: McKayla Rezone Project
- Planning and Development presented the County Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve the McKayla Rezone project at 12477 Kyrie Road in the Gaviota area. The project involves rezoning from unlimited agriculture to Ag-100 and includes the legalization of unpermitted structures, including a garage conversion, and the addition of agricultural worker housing.
- Supervisor Farr asked about the status of the garage conversion and the consequences for prior violations. Staff explained that the rezone is the current action, with land use permits for the conversion to follow. Regarding violations, staff stated that double fees were assessed for the permits, which is the extent of the penalty in this circumstance.
- Public comment was received from Dr. Robert Johns, who questioned the legality of the previous public comment and argued that land in the area should be under Chumash jurisdiction.
- Supervisor Farr moved to approve the item. The motion was seconded. The vote was taken, and the motion passed.
Item 6: Bryce Beach Cabana and Funicular Historic Landmark Designation
- Planning and Development presented the Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission’s (HLAC) resolution to designate the Bryce Beach Cabana and Funicular as a county historic landmark. The structures, built in the early 1930s, are currently boarded up and non-conforming under coastal zoning. HLAC adopted the designation on June 13, 2011. The Board has 90 days to approve, modify, or disapprove the designation. The designation would provide a permit path for rehabilitation of the structures.
- Supervisor Farr asked about the Board’s ability to modify the designation, such as separating the structures or adding conditions regarding future work. Staff confirmed that the Board has broad discretion to modify the resolution, including segregating components or adjusting conditions.
- Supervisor Carbajal raised a point of order regarding the lack of a pre-defined hearing structure for time allocation, suggesting that Planning and Development work with supervisors to establish hearing timelines in advance for future non-appeal matters. Staff agreed to implement this practice.
- The applicant’s agent, Steve Welton, introduced the presentation team, which included the project architect and a historian. The Board allotted 10 minutes for the presentation.
Applicant Presentation and Discussion
- Mark Appleton presented historical photographs and a video documenting the use of the cabana and funicular by the Bryce family from the 1930s until 1980. He noted that the structures were designed by Mary Craig to simulate tent architecture using wood rather than canvas. Appleton stated that the Otis Elevator Company serviced the funicular for the life of his grandparents.
- Alexandra Cole, the project’s architectural historian, clarified that the structures are eligible for landmark status under Section 18A of the County Landmark Ordinance under criteria A, D, F, G, and I. She explained that the structures are the only remaining example of a Mediterranean-style beach house in the county and the only combination of a funicular and cabana. Cole stated that the renovation involves maintenance, repair, and repainting, as the underlying wood structure remains intact behind plywood boarding.
- Staff explained that the seawall is part of the landmark designation and the applicant’s coastal development permit. Its primary function is to protect the gunite structure of the funicular and provide a level area for use. Staff noted that while the seawall protects the structure, the project could potentially proceed without it, though it helps stabilize the track.
- Staff clarified that designating the structure as a historic landmark provides an exception to rules allowing for significant structural alterations (such as replacing concrete foundation piers), which are required for the proposed renovation. In contrast, a "Place of Historic Merit" designation would only allow for nominal repair and maintenance, not structural alterations. Staff noted that regardless of the designation, the project would still require a coastal development permit, which is a discretionary process subject to appeal.
- Board members discussed the item. One Supervisor expressed concern that the structure does not rise to the level of historical significance compared to other designated sites and proposed sending the item back to the Historic Landmark Advisory Commission (HLAC) to consider a "Place of Historic Merit" designation instead. Another Supervisor expressed support for the landmark status, noting the uniqueness of the funicular, but raised concerns about the cabana’s location on the sand and the potential for creating a precedent for non-conforming structures in the coastal zone. This Supervisor indicated willingness to support a motion to send the item back to HLAC for further review. A third Supervisor expressed perplexity regarding the conflict between the Coastal Act’s goal of reducing non-conforming structures and the historic significance of the site. The Chair noted that while they personally found the structure unappealing, the evidence from the HLAC supported landmark status. The Chair expressed a preference for sending the item back to HLAC for a comparative analysis of "Historic Merit" versus "Historic Landmark" status, rather than dictating the outcome.
- A motion was made to deny historic landmark status and direct staff to return the item to the HLAC to review the structures for a "Place of Historic Merit" designation. The motion included an addendum requesting that the HLAC provide a side-by-side comparison of the findings for both "Historic Merit" and "Historic Landmark" categories, explaining their reasoning for the initial recommendation. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Item 7: Climate Action Strategy Phase One – Climate Action Study
- Jeff Hunt, Director of Long-Range Planning, and Heather Ingram, Project Manager, presented the Climate Action Study. They explained that this is the first phase of a two-step process; the second phase will be the Climate Action Plan, which will set emission reduction targets and select measures.
- Key findings included:
- The study includes a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory and forecast.
- The 2007 detailed inventory showed 1.78 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent.
- A top-down backcast to 1990 estimated 1.62 million metric tons.
- Forecasts indicate a 7.3% increase in emissions by 2020 and a 24.4% increase by 2035 under a business-as-usual scenario, driven by population growth, employment growth, and the replacement of ozone-depleting substances with high-global-warming-potency gases.
- State and regional measures (via CARB and SBCAG) are expected to achieve a 13.8% reduction from 2007 levels by 2020. If the County adopts a 15% reduction target to match state goals, the County would need to achieve an additional 1.2% reduction.
- Thirty-three emission reduction measures (ERMs) were identified and ranked. The plan prioritizes voluntary/incentive measures over regulatory ones.
- Staff noted that an adopted Climate Action Plan would provide programmatic mitigation for GHGs under CEQA, potentially saving costs for the County and applicants. It would also position the County ahead of potential future state mandates and facilitate adaptation planning for climate change effects (sea level rise, wildfires, water supply).
- Staff recommended that the Board: 1. Receive the Climate Action Study. 2. Find the study exempt from CEQA and accept the exemption. 3. Direct staff to prepare the Climate Action Plan and continue seeking funding.
- Public comment was received from various individuals and organizations:
- Lori Tamura expressed concern that the plan only applies to County lands and excludes major emitters like Vandenberg Air Force Base, Forest Service, and UCSB. She noted a lack of coordination between APCD and SBCAG and cited costs of $200,000–$300,000 already incurred. She urged the Board to limit actions to state-mandated requirements (15% reduction).
- Joe Armendariz, representing the Santa Barbara Technology and Industry Association, argued that the County’s contribution to GHGs is negligible compared to major metropolitan areas. He criticized the proposal as overregulation that hinders economic growth and job creation, questioning the cost to the General Fund while public safety positions are being cut.
- Andy Caldwell, representing CoLab, stated that most emission reductions will occur due to state rules, not County actions. He argued that the County’s impact is minimal and that the focus should be on economic development and job retention rather than additional regulatory burdens.
- Nathan Alley noted that single-occupancy vehicles are a major source of GHGs and suggested that strategies through SBCAG (carpooling, busing) could achieve goals without negatively impacting jobs.
- Supervisor Carbajal noted ongoing rail projects, carpools, and bus services in North and South County as efforts to address transportation concerns.
- Nathan Alley (Environmental Defense Center) stated that the study promotes incentives rather than new regulations. Expressed anticipation for the Climate Action Plan, which may include regulatory measures, and highlighted the importance of adaptation strategies to mitigate costs associated with rising sea levels and other climate impacts.
- Michael Chiokas (Community Environmental Council) supported the development of a climate action plan with an aggressive target. Cited the Laguna Sanitation District’s solar project as an example of cost savings and job creation. Referenced Resolution 9059 (2009) and expressed concern that the plan development timeline extends to summer 2013. Recommended a target of 30% or greater reduction in emissions, noting that state AB 32 actions and recession-related emission drops make this achievable.
- Dr. Robert Jones criticized the study as fraudulent and ineffective, arguing it would not create jobs. Made personal remarks directed at board members and environmental advocates.
- Monica Niedoba (Marburg Industries) reported that Marburg achieved third-party verified reductions of 19% in 2010 emissions compared to 2007 through fleet transitions to compressed natural gas and biodiesel. Noted that approximately 79,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions were avoided in 2010 through waste diversion and recycling.
- Mario Borgatelli (Marburg Industries) responded to questions regarding employment, stating that Marburg employs 50 people at its downtown Santa Barbara recycling center and that jobs are gained in various facets of the waste management process.
- Board discussion included:
- Supervisor Carbajal recognized Marburg Industries for voluntarily retrofitting its fleet to natural gas.
- Supervisor Farr highlighted the participation of Teixeira Farms in the GAP program and the CEC Solarize program as examples of cost-saving and environmental benefits. Stated that while incentives are preferred, regulations may be necessary to protect public health and welfare, citing the Clean Water Act as an example.
- Supervisor Carbajal stated that Santa Barbara County should be aggressive in environmental stewardship but must balance this with economic factors and job concerns. Requested that staff return with various target thresholds to assess implications for different economic sectors.
- Supervisor Lavagnino questioned the cost-effectiveness of the initiative, noting that the county controls less than 0.1% of state emissions and does not control major polluters such as the maritime industry. Expressed concern about unintended consequences and spending general fund dollars on measures where the county has limited control.
- Jeff Hunt (Staff) provided cost data: FY09 general fund spend was $169,000; FY10 estimated at $210,000; FY11 budgeted at $48,000 general fund plus $99,000 SCE grant; FY12 anticipated at $63,000 general fund plus $65,000 SCE grant. Explained the integration between the Climate Action Plan and the SBCAG Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, noting that greenhouse gas reductions from the latter are credited to the former.
- Supervisor Carbajal moved to adopt the staff recommendation for the item. The motion was seconded. The Board voted on the motion. The motion passed.
Closed Session Announcement
- The Clerk of the Board announced that the Board would adjourn to closed session to consider: 1. Existing litigation: Evans v. County of Santa Barbara, Shepard v. County of Santa Barbara, and Ruckel v. County of Santa Barbara. 2. Conference with labor negotiators regarding employer relations for all bargaining units and unrepresented employees/managers. 3. Public employee appointment: Community Services Director. 4. Conference with labor negotiators regarding employer relations, sitting as the Board of the IHSS Public Authority.
Judicial Forum: Meet the Judges
- The transcript transitions to a separate event, a "Meet the Judges" forum moderated by Dr. Jose Ortiz, President of Allan Hancock College. Judges and commissioners presented their backgrounds and court assignments.
- Judge Arthur Garcia (Presiding Judge) described the role of the Presiding Judge and the Executive Committee of Judges. Noted the court has approximately 290 employees, a $28 million budget, and 21 judicial positions (19 currently filled). Emphasized the importance of jury duty as a civic obligation and discussed the consequences of failing to appear, including contempt citations.
- Judge Michael Chiokas (Civil Judge) described his background in private practice and his current civil assignment, which includes family law, civil litigation, and probate. Discussed the scope of probate cases, including guardianships, conservatorships, and trust administration.
- A Family Law Commissioner described the role of the Family Law Commissioner, focusing on child support collection, domestic violence restraining orders, and custody/visitation matters. Highlighted the California Child Support System’s collection of over $2 billion annually. Promoted the Family Law Facilitator Program, which provides free legal assistance for paperwork preparation but does not represent clients in court.
- A Judge described his background, including service on the Board of Supervisors and appointment to the Superior Court in 1998. Discussed his civil assignment, including small claims, and explained the "One Day One Jury" law, which requires jurors to be seated on a jury if called, eliminating extended waiting periods.
- A Juvenile Judge described the juvenile court’s work in delinquency and dependency cases. Highlighted resources such as the Los Prietos Boys Camp, the Counseling and Education Center Program, and the Juvenile Drug Court. Noted budget threats to these programs and the importance of the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program for mentoring foster children.
- A Criminal Judge described his background as a former prosecutor and his current criminal assignment. Emphasized the importance of contacting the court regarding payment issues or trial date changes to avoid limited options. Noted the availability of trial by declarations and evening court sessions.
- A Commissioner described his role in the arraignment court (Department 9), which handles approximately 500 cases per week. Discussed the process of arraignments, felony settlements, probation violations, and the domestic violence review calendar, which oversees 52-week batterers treatment programs.
- A Judge described his assignment in the Lompoc Criminal Court, which handles arraignments, felony preliminaries, probation violations, and misdemeanor trials. Explained the purpose of preliminary hearings in felony cases, noting that the standard is probable cause, not proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
- A Judge described his background as a former legal research attorney and his current role as one of three judges handling criminal trials in the Miller Division. Noted that while many cases are on the docket, a small percentage proceed to trial.
- A Judge briefly introduced himself, noting his background in Riverside and Los Angeles.
- A Judge in Department 8 discussed the high volume of felony cases, including murder and serious violent offenses, and described the implementation of a "faux DUI court" program. This program targets high-blood-alcohol and repeat offenders through mandatory counseling, probation, and the use of SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcoholic Monitor) devices to monitor compliance. The speaker noted an increase in drunk driving filings over recent years but cited the monitoring and repeat contact strategies as measures to address the issue.
- A Judge in Department 3 discussed the growth of methamphetamine-related cases in the county, noting that such cases have increased from 1 in 10 to 1 in 4 drug cases over the last 23 years. The speaker described the collaborative model of therapeutic courts (Drug Court, Prop 36, and Mental Health Court), which utilize clinical psychologists, counselors, probation officers, and community partners to treat addiction and mental illness. The speaker reported that approximately 1,500 individuals have graduated from these programs in the Santa Maria Valley over the past 14 years. The speaker invited the public to observe court sessions and attend upcoming graduation ceremonies for Proposition 36 participants.
Closed Session Report
- The Clerk of the Board requested a report from the closed session. The County Counsel reported that the Board considered matters in closed session, with the exception of Sheppard County of Santa Barbara and Ruckelby County of Santa Barbara, which were continued to the following Tuesday. No other reportable actions were taken.
Resolution A-1: 10th Anniversary of the Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association
- Supervisor Farr introduced a resolution celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association (SYVVA), formed in 2001. The resolution acknowledged SYVVA’s role in promoting tourism in the towns of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, San Ynez, and Solvang, and its efforts to increase awareness of the valley through advertising and events. A representative of SYVVA accepted the resolution and invited the Board to a joint mixer with the Solvang Chamber of Commerce.
- Motion: Adopt the resolution.
- Outcome: Passed and adopted.
Resolution A-2: Solvang Chamber of Commerce
- Supervisor Farr introduced a resolution honoring the Solvang Chamber of Commerce for exceptional community service. The resolution noted that while formally established in 1978, the Chamber traces its origins to the Solvang Businessmen’s Association formed in 1921. It recognized the Chamber’s role in promoting local businesses, supporting historical and cultural features, and representing the business community to government. Linda Jackson, head of the Solvang Chamber, accepted the resolution on behalf of the organization and its volunteers.
- Motion: Adopt the resolution.
- Outcome: Passed and adopted.
Resolution A-3: National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
- Supervisors Wolf and Lavagnino introduced a resolution proclaiming September 2011 as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. The resolution cited statistics indicating that over half of adults, over one-third of teens, and over 45% of lower-income children in Santa Barbara County are overweight or obese. It noted that only 51% of county children eat the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables and that the county has three times as many fast-food restaurants as supermarkets. The resolution recognized the Public Health Department’s commitment to obesity prevention through programs such as WIC, MCH, and CMS, and its collaboration with schools and nonprofits. Dr. Wada and Scott McCann from the Public Health Department spoke about the department’s activities and partnerships. The Clerk of the Board recognized various community partners, including the Diabetes Resource Center, YMCA, and school districts, for their work in improving student nutrition and physical activity.
- Motion: Adopt the resolution.
- Outcome: Passed and adopted.
Resolution A-4: Model A Ford Day
- Supervisor Gray introduced a resolution proclaiming September 10, 2011, as Model A Ford Day in Santa Barbara County. The resolution acknowledged the historical significance of the Model A Ford, produced from 1928 to 1931, and the presence of three local chapters of the Model A Ford Club of America with over 150 member families. It noted that the Santa Maria A’s chapter would host the 9th Annual All-Ford Car Show in Old Orcutt. Jay McCord, president of the Model A Club, accepted the resolution and invited the public to the car show, noting that the event supports scholarships for the Alan Hancock Automotive Program and local troops.
- Motion: Adopt the resolution.
- Outcome: Passed and adopted.
Resolution A-5: Employees of the Month
- Supervisor Farr introduced a resolution commending Mark Masoner, Gloria Ness, Fung Lohmann, and Joe Dean-Johnson from the General Services Department’s Purchasing Division as Employees of the Month for September 2011. The resolution highlighted their roles in centralized purchasing, regulatory compliance, and the Local Vendor Outreach Program. It detailed their individual responsibilities, including procurement of construction supplies, medical supplies, software, and legal services. A representative from General Services noted the team’s collective 84 years of service and their handling of 50–60 formal bids and over 2,000 purchase orders annually.
- Motion: Adopt the resolution.
- Outcome: Passed and adopted.
Resolution A-6: Low-Income Energy Efficiency and Care Month
- Supervisor Lavagnino introduced a resolution recognizing October 2011 as Low-Income Energy Efficiency and Care Month in Santa Barbara County. The resolution encouraged residents to utilize customer assistance programs offered by SoCalGas, including the Energy Savings Assistance Program and the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, which provide no-cost home improvements and rate discounts. Tim Mahoney from SoCalGas described an upcoming community event in Santa Maria on October 15, where contractors would perform weatherization services (insulation, caulking, etc.) for low-income residents. Supervisors Farr and Lavagnino suggested coordinating with Social Services and the Adult Aging Network to inform eligible clients about the programs.
- Motion: Adopt the resolution.
- Outcome: Passed and adopted.
Recognition: Terry Bunn
- The Clerk of the Board recognized Terry Bunn, a retired Chief Deputy, for her volunteer work with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Bunn serves as the North County Chairperson for CASA, a role she has held for seven years, and is involved in investigations related to child welfare. She also serves on the CASA Pacifica Santa Barbara County Advisory Board and is president of the San Ynez Master Choral, Youth Choral, and Orchestra.
Item 9: Redevelopment Agency (RDA) Restructuring
- The Board heard a presentation from the County Executive Office of Planning and Development regarding the impacts of the Redevelopment Restructuring Act (ABX 126 and ABX 127) on the Santa Barbara County Redevelopment Agency (RDA). Staff presented four recommendations based on fiscal and policy analysis: 1. Action 1: Adopt a conditional resolution retaining the RDA’s housing functions and powers if the RDA dissolves, to maintain county control over housing assets. 2. Action 2: Adopt a conditional, non-binding resolution of intent to participate in the Alternative Voluntary Redevelopment Program (ABX 127), extending the decision deadline from October 1 to November 1. 3. Action 3: Direct the RDA Board of Directors to forward the preliminary draft of the initial Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) to the county as the successor agency. 4. Action 4 (Future Hearing): Staff recommended that the Board return on October 4 to introduce an ordinance to enter the Alternative Voluntary Redevelopment Program and adopt a reimbursement agreement.
- Staff analysis indicated that continuing the RDA would require a one-time payment of $1.95 million and approximately $459,000 annually to the state, but would allow the RDA to continue redevelopment activities in Isla Vista, including affordable housing and infrastructure improvements. Dissolution would result in a one-time distribution of approximately $5.4 million to taxing entities and ongoing annual distributions, but would eliminate the RDA’s ability to fund local redevelopment and affordable housing, potentially jeopardizing the county’s housing element certification. Staff noted that the California Supreme Court has stayed implementation of most provisions of ABX 126 and ABX 127, with a decision expected in January 2012.
- Public comment was received:
- Dr. Robert Jones opposed the continuation of the RDA, citing alleged corruption in redevelopment planning and arguing that funds should be returned to the state rather than used for affordable housing in Isla Vista.
- Julie McIver spoke in support of the RDA, describing how RDA staff assistance and seed funding helped her family complete a $500,000 facade enhancement project in Isla Vista, creating jobs and supporting local businesses.
- Aaron Fields spoke in support of the RDA, noting that RDA guidance was instrumental in breaking ground on a mixed-use student housing project with affordable units in Isla Vista.
- Supervisor Farr expressed support for the RDA, citing its role in economic development, job creation, and infrastructure improvement in Isla Vista. He moved to adopt the recommended actions. Supervisor Lavagnino seconded the motion. County Counsel recommended splitting the motion into two separate votes: one for the Board of Supervisors (Actions 1–3) and one for the RDA Board of Directors (Action 4). Supervisor Farr clarified that the first motion was for Actions 1 through 3, acting as the Board of Supervisors.
- Motion: Adopt Actions 1 through 3 as the Board of Supervisors.
- Second: Supervisor Lavagnino.
- Vote: The Clerk called for a vote. The transcript ends with the call for "All in favor say aye," and Supervisor Farr responding "Aye." The final tally and outcome of this specific vote are not recorded in this segment of the transcript.
Agenda Item: Recommended Action Number Four (Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors)
- The board discussed taking action on recommended action number four, acting as the redevelopment agency board of directors. A motion was made to approve the action. The vote outcome was passed.
Board Member Reports
- Supervisor Wolf reported on an upcoming Planning Commission meeting regarding the GVPAC’s initiation of an environmental report. Noted that the process is in the initiation stage with no decisions made yet, and encouraged public participation via email or attendance at the meeting.
- Steve Lavagnino provided a personal update regarding a new puppy, noting it as the reason for his demeanor during the meeting.
Adjournment and Recognitions
- Supervisor Carbajal recognized two individuals, Don Wilson and J.D. Smith, for their community contributions and professional histories.
- The meeting was adjourned.
- The next meeting was scheduled for the following week in Santa Maria.